Back in March 2010 , the first day of Spring, something happened that was beyond our control, this was a sad day .       

A day we won’t forget and since this was the first day of Spring I guess this day will always be in our mind come every Spring.       

We lost a very special person in our family. A very strong mom, daughter, sister, and sister in law. She was strong happy person, ( my sister in law , my hubby’s sister)  never complained and never felt sorry for herself .       

She is greatly missed by all, very hard to believe but time passes quickly and time for Spring is coming upon us quickly.       

I wanted to do something , what could be done in remembrance of this special lady.       

In this video is the very beginning of creating the Garden, as you will see there was much work to do. A little jumpy but you’ll see what I had to start with .       

During Spring 2010 , in the months of March – May I decided to create a Memorial Garden at our farm, the very same placed she was raised.       

I knew this would be a project I could put my heart into. I decided to create the garden within our wooded tree area, an area she played in and around as a child.       

This area was a mess, broken branches, trees that needed trimming, soil that needed added and just all types of issues with a newly established area.       

I really didn’t have a plan per say but I had a vision I guess, and as I started working the area , I could see some promise , this would be an area away from all my gardening areas, more quiet and peaceful.       

I did know however that I had many plants that would offer meaning to a Memorial Garden. Plants that would work well in the shaded area of the woods I had chosen.       

I want to share with you the plants I chose, these plants are what I already had in my gardens, so I knew they would do just fine.       

POLEMONIUM Stairway to Heaven       

Dicentra Fernleaf Bleeding Hearts       

Heuchera Snow Angel        

Earth Angel Hosta
Blue Angel Hosta
Praying Hands Hosta
Faith Hosta       

Eternal Flame Hosta       

Peace Hosta       

I did add extra soil and compost , so I knew there was enough depth as I was planting in a wooded area, where there could be some root conflicts.       

Planting the garden was done by myself , and my mother in law, it went together pretty fast .       

I also planted some annual impatiens, coleus and snapdragons , which really looked great amongst the Hostas.       

In the memorial garden also was added angel figurines, birdbath, and bird houses where I had a pair of wrens nest the first season.       

A bench that was old but replaced the wood and stained and varnished and it looks like new now. I also had a concrete bench and angel which is kind of the focal point with landscape bricks forming a circle there is where the impatiens were planted, they were so pretty the first season.       

You really can add anything that helps you remember the person, what they loved, you could also paint their name on a rock , just use your imagination , good thoughts bring great visions.       

The very first plants lining the walkway are POLEMONIUM Stairway to Heaven also know as Jacob’s Ladder. I also added a few darker colored Heuchera, not so much with name meaning but they will do nicely in this area.       

The photos were after completion, and my hopes are to add to it every year and expand out as there is plenty of room to do so.       

One thing I must tell you is when showing this area to some friends the gal pointed out to me , Did you realize this area is shaped in a heart , honestly it just became what you see in the photo as I laid this area out, this was not my intentions but it worked out beautifully.   (Thanks Susie!)    

Container Hosta’s look great anywhere, so adding them here in the Memorial Garden was a no brainer.       

Keeping the look as natural as I could by using rocks, pea gravel and mulch. As the years go on this area will fill in and more plants will be added to make it a very special place to come and realize how fortunate we are to be here on this beautiful place we call earth and home.       

Never to take for granted our time , and how precious life is. Plants have a way of soothing , a much needed therapy at times which brings so much joy to not only ourselves but to others who truly realize the power of gardening.       

This is not completely finished , as improvements will be made as years go on. I plan to spruce it up quite a bit as I get new plants and new features. I don’t believe in going out and spending lots of money when I have many of the natural looking material here on the farm.       

I hope you can take something away from this post , hopefully inspire you , and finding comfort and meaning yourself as you go through a loss in the family.       

Working with plants do give us comfort to those of us that truly are meant to work in the soil. Very calming and peaceful and gives a sense of pride and joy which in turn can help you get through the tough times.       

Happy Gardening,       

Diane Mumm

 Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg

What a  sweet succulent! Which means extra beautiful. Hoping to get some more photos soon, truly excited to have this added to my collection of succulents.

When it comes to succulents color and textures,  this one really stands out. Giving us such beauty as it grows and matures.

I don’t know about you , but succulents have become my weakness when purchasing plants. My basement is now taken over by them and hopefully will be able to thin them out come Spring.

Rosette forming succulent of pale grayish-brown foliage with pinkish highlights and a white powdery dusting on the leaves.

Coral flowers with a yellow center appear on a 1-foot long reddish stem in the summer.

Grows to 12 inches by 12 inches. For full sun in well-drained soil or in a container in full sun in zones 9 to 10, and Hardy to 25 degrees

Plant origin states from Mexico, and is in the family Crassulaceae (Stonecrops).

Noted as the most beautiful plant one can grow, easy care and low water drought tolerant plants.

Here is a little History on this succulent Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg.

This plant is a hybrid between Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metalica’ x E. potosina (now E. elegans) that was created by Richard Graessner of Perleberg, Germany in the 1930′s, who was considered a famous succulent plant grower in his time.

Many succulents do well indoors as houseplants, but do prefer staying on the cooler side, especially those that tend to  stretch, but I have had really good results with most succulents only a few seem to require cooler temps to reduce stretching.

Enjoy your succulents, if you don’t have any, they are becoming very popular on the market. Most nurseries and garden centers  carry some varieties of succulents.. So watch for them!

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm 

Photo courtesy of provenwinners.com

Oxalis Molten Lava

What do you think about this Proven Winner cutie ?

 Well my thoughts are we have a standoutish plant before our eyes. I love foliage color. The blooms as you can see are yellow amongst that foliage  may get lost , but I still am loving it.

Check this out! Low light conditions  the foliage is chartreuse in color ,  how does that happen? usually sunny conditions makes for bright colors I am loving this already.  So when left  in sunny areas it turns a rich orange color.  I am impressed !

Sterile  and appears to be noninvasive. Requires little maintenance care and get this no deadheading as it is self cleaning.

Grows 6-10 inches tall, has a mounded habit, and is classified as a filler plant in containers, meaning this plant  intermingles well with other plants to fill in the middle ground of a combination.

Bloom time is spring and summer months, Hardy to 28 degrees , and is Hardy in zones 9-11. Grows well in sun to part sun and is pretty easy to care for.

Sounds like it will do well anywhere you plant, landscapes, containers, baskets,  you name it.

I will be growing this for the Spring 2011 season , I look forward as I am always looking for foliage color.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Heuchera americana Marvelous Marble

Yet another beautiful Heuchera that will be all mine this Spring.

This Heuchera is grown from seed, many will love the ideal of growing their own , but having a finished plant will give you  a much clearer headstart and produce fast gratification.

One thing special about Marvelous Marble is that the color changes throughout the season.. What a great feature!

During the Spring months, the new foliage starts out as purple color. As the season moves on , the foliage changes to deep green with reddish purple veining  and an added feature is a light silver overlay.

Bears short creamy white flowers , and blooms a little earlier than other Heucheras.

Grow in a sun to partial shade area as you would with most Heuchera.

Grows 8-12 inches with a 16 inch spread,  and is Hardy in zones 4-9.

Heuchera’s are so loved for their foliage , if you haven’t had them in your landscape they are a must have. Relatively easy to grow and maintain.

Heuchera is one of my ultimate favorite perennials here in Iowa. I have several varieties now and will keep adding as long as I don’t run out of room.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Polemonium Caeruleum Brise d ‘ Anjou and STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

If anyone knows  me they know I love foliage plants, foliage with color other than just green. Variegated in nature which makes these two varieties so popular.

Well, in this photo  there is  two jacob’s ladder also know as Polemonium.

Stairway to Heaven  PP#15187 (right) has the larger leaves with light blue flowers, and the Brise d’ Anjou  PP # 9,781 (left ) has smaller leaves with darker blue flower.

These perennial plants look great at all times regardless if blooming or not. One reason to add them to your landscape.

Polemonium Stairway to Heaven

When this variety of polemonium comes to life in the Spring, you will see pink edges along the leaf edges, it is just beautiful , I love this feature!

As it grows it forms a mounded shape that blooms light blue flowers in late spring, the blooms are lightly fragrant.

Appreciates  growing in a moist area especially if you live in a warmer climate. Plant in a semi shade area , depending on where you live but would definitely give it shade in late afternoon hours.

 Stairway to Heaven keeps on producing leaves throughout the season.

Grows to a height of  15-20 inches with a 12 inch spread, and is hardy in zones 4-8.

Polemonium Brise d’ Anjou

Eye catching Jacob’s Ladder Brise d’ Anjou is another must have perennial .

This cultivar is very similar , but the leaves are slightly smaller and the bloom is a violet blue  in color

Attributes for both Polemonium include:  Attracts Butterflies; Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage

Clump forming and needs stable moist conditions, protect in harsh winters, may be slow to come back if left get dry in the fall months.

Grows 18-24 inch with flower, and hardy in zones 4-8 , zones seems to vary online slightly so do your research in your area.

Plant once again in a partial shade to shade area

Both varieties of Polemonium give you interest all season regardless of bloom. This is a added feature which you will not get with most perennials.  They look great planted in masses, amongst hostas, etc.

I love them and recommend them if they are suited for your area zone.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Oh the winter months are here and I try and find comfort and beauty wherever I can , because not only are our winters in Iowa long, they can be really frustrating when the transition comes from late Winter to early Spring.

As I walk outside on a cold blustery day after a fresh snow or fresh frosted day which  fills my surroundings , I am always trying to find something  positive  to see and or hear.

One thing I can not overlook or ignore is the ornamental grasses that I leave stand throughout the winter months.

Panicum virgatum Shenandoah Grass

Depending on your area and how you want your ornamental grass to show in the winter months is really a matter of preference I believe. I see many cut them down in the fall, and have talked with many others that love to leave them for winter interest.

With our snow, frost, or ice weather  in the winter time, each can bring on it’s very own beauty.

A beauty I have come to love, not so much years ago however,  as I dreaded the winter, but now as I grow older I really appreciate the changing of the seasons.

Besides winter interest of the ornamental grasses,  they also can bring shelter to birds and other animals roaming in your area.  Plus possibly a food source too!

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Grass

Miscanthus Zebra Grass

The photos were taken  just after a few nights of frost. You can see that every strand of grass and every plume gets covered making for a wonderful showing outdoors .

One thing I really loved and noticed  , was on a sunny day, the snow and frost on the grasses just glistens and shines.  

Those of you that live in long  snowy winter’s.   Look closely at the photos ,  I hope you can see winter’s beauty, and can appreciate what we have around us that does get taken for granted.

This article is also featured in HortMag.com which I am fully honored to be a part of , a big  Thank You to Anna Looper who writes  for HortMag.com. You can find her in many places but here is her Website FlowerGardenGirl.com

I hope this may have inspired you to add ornamental grasses to your gardens. Grasses being pretty carefree once established makes for a must have plant.

Happy Gardening,

Diane Mumm

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Miscanthus Silberpfeil Japanese  Silver Arrow

As the years go by and more and more plants go into the ground I find myself losing track of names of  (for example) varieties of the many ornamental  grasses.  So many are looking alike nowadays.

So marking your plants with metal tag stakes  when planted is so important,  at least to me . The one in the photo was a grass I had to research because I received a few that were very similiar in appearance, but feel I do have the correct identification .

I am a huge lover of ornamental grasses, and have several different hardy grasses for my area now.  Over  the years I have become pretty attached and delighted  to see them thriving in my perennial areas. This one particular species is one I hope everyone can enjoy.

Why are grasses so popular today in the landscapes of many homes today. It is pretty simple I believe. Grasses  add so much interest  to your landscape, many hours of viewing pleasure ,grasses give you  interest throughout the seasons and  they are relatively easy to grow and care for.

One of my favorite grasses is the Miscanthus Silberpfeil Japanese  Silver Arrow. I honestly love many Miscanthus species because they grow really well in my zone 5 area.

When you can have a grass that has wide variegated blades and arching habit , with pinkish blooms in the fall , why would you every complain!

Growing height can vary depending on where you plant this beautiful gem, but I had mine in a full sun area and it grew 5-6ft tall I would say with plumage. 

Can be grown in sun to partial shaded area with average soil conditions, well drained is always best. Clump forming and not overly aggressive spread in my area.

Ornamental grasses are fairly easy to grow once established.  Years and years of beauty will surround you, when the wind blows you will not only see the beauty but you will also hear as the grass blades  are whisping and moving in the wind. Very calming and peaceful!

This photo was taken this fall 2010 , but I planted this grass here just a couple years back and it has grown quite nicely in size. Looks like division will be possible this Spring .

I love to leave my grasses stand each winter season, which adds plenty of interest when the weather is cold and snowy. Usually a nice tan in color dusted with light snow makes for a beautiful photo.

When spring arrives cut back to around 6 inches, then make divisions if you feel the plant is large enough.

I have seen conflicting hardy zone areas for this ornamental grass , but since I am in zone 5 , zone 5-9 should work fine.

In this video I am giving you a closeup view , and talking about this beautiful Miscanthus grass.

My advice is if you like the look of ornamental grasses,  get a growing  them , but make sure you know and have researched  the variety for your general zone area.

Check out more of my grasses Here

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Aloe haworthioides- Miniature Aloe

This is no doubt a beautiful mini succulent that I have come to love growing.

When I look for succulents  I look for unique patterns of textures and unusual forms of succulents. This one falls into those attributes.

Miniature Aloe is very easy and slow growing , but produces offsets from time to time.

I use this one as a houseplant as it is not hardy in my area, does very well as a houseplant near a window or good  lighting.

I do water every week but let it completely dry out between watering’s as it does not like to be over watered.

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping, looks great in containers or combination plantings.

Origin is in Madagascar, sub tropical in nature and is considered rare.

I have yet to see them flower, but will produce a red flower, which sounds very beautiful among the speckled texture .

Grows to just 6 inches tall, and is hardy in zones 10-11.

I put together this video  when planting the mini aloe in a combination bowl setting.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Hi Gardening Friends,

Just for fun I put together a short video telling a little about the nursery greenhouse business . Please keep your snickers to a minimum..

Hi Gardening Friends,

Picket Fence Greenhouse is located in southwest Iowa on our 80 acre farm. We have been in business since 1999. Out in the country greenhouse where you must take a drive and experience country life.

My name is Diane Mumm, and I have Studied Greenhouse Growing at the University of Hard Knocks. This is not to be underestimated. Since 1999 and many years of hands on experience which taught me everything you can’t necessarily find in a book.

Through my hands on education and experience in growing plants, plus hard work and determination, and really just a love for growing plants makes this one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

I am still learning, and learning new things about the greenhouse business every year . Learning is continuous and contagious , what fun!

I must be honest here, I do not pretend to know everything , because let’s face it , new plants , new struggles happen in this business every day. All I can do is find a answer for you in hopes it helps you .

At times this has been a challenging career choice , blood , sweat and tears at times and that is no lie.. but without the love for what I do , I wouldn’t be hear right now talking about it to everyone.

A committed passion I have for growing , nurturing, and just complete appreciation for others that love what I do.

One thing I have always said and is true today is when a person walks through the door of the greenhouse and has a huge smile on their face, my reward has been accomplished. This in itself really makes what I do very worthy , the gratitude can be sometimes overwhelming.

Every year is different in means of plant selection, struggles with the weather, keeping every plant happy at times is very challenging and production sometimes can be tricky.

With every year , I still believe this has been a rewarding choice of career. Growing plants from seed, plugs or finished plants , whatever it may be brings on new beautiful life that anyone can appreciate.

Our new greenhouse was built in 2008 , completed for the 2009 season, and is 40×70 in size, constructed as a pole building with polycarbonate panels works great , but heating it can be a challenge. Most of my annual plants are placed inside the greenhouse , but do start a few perennials here too just to get them a growing. The main perennial yard is just a few steps away, a large area where many perennials will be displayed.

Growing from seed begins indoors in January and will sow seeds till April . Sowing seeds in my basement where I have all the necessary setup for growing plants under lights. Beginning in March of each year I will transfer all plants to the greenhouse and begin transplanting.

Here is a list of plants I carry each and every year, I try and have unique plants that most have not seen. Includes: annual flowers including from seed and proven winners that I grow from plug form. Veggies, Herbs, Succulents, Perennials of all kinds, with specific focus on Hosta and Heuchera varieties.. (My favorites) . New and some just new to the greenhouse for 2011 see them Here

You can also take a walk through my perennial yards, and hostas woodland gardens which is really the most beautiful in late June of each year. (This is my pride and joy!)

When everything is said and done, and the doors open for business in April , I am usually ready , or should I say the customers are ready.

Business is open from April till end of September of each year. Locally and online sales via ebay.

I have been invited to Best Garden Blogs Website where I will also be posting gardening fun.

Please place any comment or questions you may have below .

If you are every in the area, please come and say Hi! would love to meet you!

Happy Gardening,

Diane Mumm

Each new year brings on exciting and new beginnings in planning for the Spring growing season.

Although I have planted a few herbs , lettuce and kale earlier, those were to keep my sanity in our winter months:)

As planting outside is a few long months away, I will be planting soon indoors from seed for the following season.

Getting a jump start on growing , seeds I will be planting first will be perennial seeds, and many annuals seeds that take some time to grow and mature.

So in a few weeks I will be sowing some seeds in my basement. Pretty exciting and fun way to enjoy growing with our winters still very cold.

Take a look at the many new plants I will be growing. Some you may be familiar with and others may be very new to the market .

Here is a small preview of  What is New 2011 at Picket Fence Greenhouse and Gardens. Click the link below to view the rest , nearly 80 new plants with more coming.

 Plant Picks for Spring 2011 at Picket Fence Greenhouse and Gardens

I think this year may be the year I have more new and unique looking plants than any other year,  so I hope to excite my friends and loyal customers when they walk through the door of the greenhouse.

Here’s to the New Year of planting , we have 4 months of planting seeds indoors , in  March we start moving plants in the greenhouse to transplant our seedlings.

Transplanting is truly my favorite part  of greenhouse growing.

Stay tuned to the goings on, as I will be updating , and video making along the way.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Agave Desmettiana Variegata is a easy care outdoor or indoor houseplant depending on where you live.

I was always in awe over the  Agave  Plant.  I’ve   seen the Agave in  books and magazine and honestly did not think I could grow them in our cold  climate, but I was wrong.

So  2 years ago I found someone selling tiny little offsets online , and I was reluctant at first, but always love a challenge and I loved the look so much I went ahead and purchased.

I grow many Agaves  indoors in my basement from pups and offsets , but I also transplanted some out in my greenhouse this Spring and they grew so beautifully, with no problems. 

This variety of Agave is considered a dwarf, but think the size is just right especially when growing indoors.

The leaves are bright green with yellow variegation along the margins. Spines are  nonexistent along the margins, but does produce a sharp point at end of their leaves.

They produce offsets, and grow to be 2-3ft in size. Very sturdy plant but make sure you keep out of reach , as the leaves can be easily broken.

Hardy  to 25 degrees so plant outdoors year around in zones 9-11 , Plant in a sun area,  being a succulent plant it requires little water.

There is many agave’s on the market , but this one keeps giving and giving and I love that about plants.

Propagation is easy and before long you will have many agave’s to give, sell , wonderful gifts too.

In this video I will be transplanting  and telling  you alittle more about this special Agave.

I love a challenge, and this time my challenge will be overwintering water garden annual plants indoors.

Are you wanting to save some of your water garden pond plants in your water garden outdoors?

Try  bringing  them indoors.

Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth seem to grow indoors provided they have warmth and lighting.

In this video will show you exactly what I am doing to see if overwinter pond plants does truly work indoors.

When I bought this Leopard Lily a few years ago it was stated to be a succulent , but honestly I don’t know that to be true.

The leopard lily is drought tolerant, grows bulbs on the side of the parent bulbs and really is a ideal houseplant which propagation is very easy to achieve.

Planting your leopard lily just right at soil levels helps them to not rot.

Make sure you keep at a medium moisture but allow to dry out between waterings.

Grows to 6 inches tall, like a sun to part sun area. Can tolerate neglect.

Easy to grow  indoor houseplant and is a unusual plant to most people that say they have never seen this plant.

Watch the video as I will be transplanting this unusual plant .

Today I ventured outside to see what amount of snow totals we received over night, and look what I ran across.

Snow covered colorado spruce trees.

Winter is showing it’s beauty just right outside in my back yard.

 I had to snap a few photos and just love the look these trees give off on a cold sunny day.

Capturing the snow’s movements and where the snow settles can be just breath taking .

With wind gusts to 45mph last night , it has made for quite a beautiful scene on this day.

Let’s pray that this winter will not bring as much snow as the winter of 2009.

 Facebook Friends Christmas Giveway here at The Picket Fence Greenhouse and Gardens

I’ve met so many gardening people on facebook this year and thought this would be fun to give a little something to show appreciation. Sorry to say I must limit just to the USA for shipping purposes.

Basically this is how it will work.

All I ask of you is if you could share my gardening blog http://PicketFenceGreenhouse.info  with one other person you know on your friends list , a friend that is not on my friends list.

Post this link on the friends page you choose , by going to link under their name on their facebook page, click on link paste the website address http://PicketFenceGreenhouse.info  in and that is it.. any questions please ask.

Then come back to the post on facebook , log in the name  of the person you shared the gardening blog  with and also your name,   and you are entered. That is it!

The Christmas Giveaway is running  to Dec 19th, will be drawing on the 20th of Dec.

Anyone can enter that is one of my fb friends ,  and also the friend you suggest and share my gardening blog with can also enter if they add me as a friend on facebook.

Here  is the the Christmas Giveaway Gifts- 3 prizes

Hosta Trio- 3 pots of beautiful Hostas-Blue Mouse Ears, Second Wind, Earth Angel- to ship in Spring

The winner is Debbie Perry McMurry, Congrats to you , and thank you for participating.

I just ordered from GardenShoesOnline, I love their stuff, so a $25 dollar gift certificate

The winner is Donna Abel Donabella, Congrats to you , and thank you for participating.

My surprise seed collection, this will be a generous amount of seeds I have collected and have purchased.

The winner is Barbara Wallace, Congrats to you , and thank you for participating.

Well there you have it,  get entering, pass my gardening blog along to one other person not on my friends list .. and let the fun begin..

Remember Christmas Giveaway is only 10 days.. so get your entry in asap.. Is now Over!

The Christmas Giveaway is running  to Dec 19. Drawing on the 20th.

Have Fun!

Diane Mumm

Picket Fence Greenhouse and Gardens

Planting this succulent combo was so much fun, so fun in fact  I hope to do several more.

When I look at my collection of succulents as a whole I knew I needed to do some potting in combinations.

I am basically running out of room , so placing several in pots will help to free me up for more room for propagation.

You can read about each succulent here Sedum Ogon Variegated Jade  Aloe that was planted within this combination.

Every succulent  in this combo is very easy to care for as a houseplant, I love them, in fact  propagation is easy with each variety.

Succulents can be an addiction  to grow because of the different textures and colors. Their shapes are rather unique and make for a great conversation piece.

Succulents like a well drained catcus  soil , a soil that drains quickly and is able to dry out  quickly  between waterings.

Dressing up your container pots with pea gravel, or rocks of your choice really can and will make your container stand out.

Sun loving and usually easy care drought tolerant plants.

Find Diane on BestGardenBlogs.com

Try growing some Succulents!

More Seed Packets Arrived- Growing from Seed Continues

How to Grow from Seed When Planting Lemon Basil, Kale and Lettuce

This video will give you and idea on how to start from seed easily to grow your own food.

Growing from seed is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself and your family.

There is nothing like nuturing seedlings to grow and share with others.

In this video I seeded lemon basil, kale, and black seeded simpson lettuce.

We are in November and it is nice to have plants growing indoors especially through our cold winter months which can get pretty long.

If you have never grown from seed, what a better time to start..

You can grow from seed on a smaller scale that works for you.

You will need the following to grow from seed:

Seeds, Trays, Soil, warm place to Germinate or Heating Mat, and Lighting.

Please use what you have available and then possible expand if you do grow many seeds in a season.

Growing from seed is very rewarding and a healthly practice anyone can do in the comfort of their home.

I hope this video gives you some information on growing from seed, not only that but will inspire you to starting growing your own food.

Happy Gardening Friends,

Diane

Photo courtesy of Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery

Manfreda Bloodspot

Take a look at this beautiful succulent , honestly this has to be one of the best colors combinations in the succulent world.

This plant is relatively new , introduction in 2008. .

Bloodspot forms a symmetrical clump of thick blue leaves peppered with cranberry spots.

The leaves are outlined with maroon edges that terminate in a small spine.

Mature to 1-foot tall by 15 inches wide.

Bloodspot is a interspecific hybrid between a manfreda and Agave macroantha.

Excellent as a container plant or for specimen use in frost free climates.

Low water usuage is Winter hardiness 25 - 30 degrees.  Hardy to zone 10 and higher outdoors, those zones lower can bring indoors and use as a houseplant.

Grow in full sun area .

A wonderful beautiful succulent , and will be a great addition. Unique coloring, wonderful for containers makes this succulent a must have.

Happy Gardening!

Water Gardens have become very popular in landscapes today.. but what should you be considering before venturing into construction of a water garden.

The pleasing relaxing sound of water running is so inviting to wildlife .Not only to wildlife but when you can walk outside in your yard and  hear the sounds of water running , you will love how this makes you feel and what will be attracted to your water garden.

Water Gardens need a great location, they do well in a part sun area. Full sun areas tend to have more algae buildup problems so pay attention to location.

There is maintenance involved with contemplating the construction of a water pond. Sure they are beautiful but one must realize there is some work involved in cleaning and keeping them clean.

There is many plants that work in a water garden. You will want to have several different types, floaters , oxgenators, marginal plants, submerged plants such as hardy lilies too.

The more surface  area you cover the less likely the algae problems.

There is many products on the market today for algae problems, I like  the natural approach and use barley bales and surface cover with plants.

Goldfish and Koi do wonderfully in water gardens, and they do reproduce giving you baby fish each season.

You can use a plastic liner , or preformed mold to form your pond . This may be a matter of preference depending on how large you want your water garden.

If you are digging your own water garden and using a liner, make sure you make some shelves within the water garden pond hole area. Shelves within your pond make a great place to place marginal plants , and it add different heights , looks great too.

You also want to have one area of your pond at least 2-3 ft deep, and the reason for that is 1) hot summers, fish need a place to go, the deeper the depth the cooler the water temperature 2) Cold winters,  if you leave your fish outside year around there needs to be a good depth that does not freeze solid so the fish will survive .

You can construct however you choose , natural looking with large river rock , or there  is plenty of other rock available to fit your style .

Water Gardens  are a  wonderful feature in your landscape. Be realistic when venturing into adding to your landscape.

Happy Water Gardening!

Hi Everyone, It’s Diane

What should you be doing in the fall months to help prepare for the cold winter months?

Fall Cleanup can be a chore or you can think of it as fruit of your labors. The value and benefit to fall cleanup can and will be assure that all plants thriving in the next season.

Raking

Raking Leaves seems to be a ritual for everyone in the fall, or maybe you shred up the leaves with your mower then use as a nice mulch which will then break down and create some really nice organic matter, plus protection if placed around your plants.

Raking as a child was such a fun time, never really remembered the work involved. Jumping in the leaves with your siblings and then to rake them up again in a pile, this went on and on.

Mulching

Leaves make a great mulch around your potted plants or perhaps around your newly planted perennials.
Maybe you do a fall mulching with your desired wood mulch which is necessary on some perennials and shrubs to help assure their appearance again in the spring, that is if you live in a cold climate area, where all plants go dormant in the winter.

Composting

Maybe you just want to gather your leaves and place them in the compost bin. This works great too Why not! I say. Here is a tweet I seen from Birds and Blooms the other day.

Check this out .

Did you know? Roughly 50% of nutrients extracted by a tree from the earth are contained in fallen leaves?

Therefore, composting is perfect!

Compost those Fallen Leaves! and use some of them for mulching too!

Winterizing your Perennials

To protect and keep your plants good and warm and tidy through the winter months, make sure you do your winterizing to all plants if necessary, for sure on the more sensitive plants to assure their arrival again year after year. This is where mulching should be considered.

Leave or Clean Up in the Fall

My thoughts are this, I do not trim, or rake up around the perennials.  I leave the leaves that have fallen around all the plants to provide protection. Now this is my own Personal Preference, This should be left untouched until Spring. This will protect all your newly and established plants all winter, by leaving them alone.

Winter Interest is also fun if you leave your ornamental grasses alone and you’re other planted perennials. Plus adds protection and possibly a food source for animals and birds.